On June 30, 2020, the Ontario government announced that Ontario courts will begin gradually reopening for in-person proceedings on July 6, 2020.
The gradual resumption of in-person proceedings will begin with 149 courtrooms in the Superior and Ontario Courts of Justice reopening in 44 locations across the province, with additional courtrooms to reopen by September and all remaining ones reopening by November 1, 2020.
Strict health and safety protocols will be implemented for this gradual reopening. Plexiglass barriers will be installed at public counters and in courtrooms, interview rooms, and intake offices, and every person visiting a courthouse will be screened for COVID-19 symptoms and will be required to wear a face covering.
In a notice to the legal profession on June 29, 2020, The Superior Court of Justice announced that the Divisional Court will not resume in-person hearings on July 6, 2020; hearings for the Divisional Court will continue to be conducted remotely, either by teleconference or by videoconference.
This blog is provided as an information service and summary of workplace legal issues. This information is not intended as legal advice.